Writing Prompt: Unspoken

“There are many things that I would
Like to say to you
But I don’t know how”
Oasis, “Wonderwall”

People don’t always say what they’re really thinking or feeling, particularly when those thoughts have the potential to hurt one or both parties to the conversation. But those unspoken ideas can be very important: they might identify areas of conflict, reveal unexplored dynamics between characters, or even mask a character’s deepest desires. As an author, it’s important to know the things your characters aren’t saying and find ways to suggest those ideas to the reader.

This week, write a scene or story where two characters are interacting but something important is being left unsaid. See if you can suggest the omission to the reader without revealing it explicitly.

Copyright 2014 Cheryl Chancellor. Contents may not be reproduced without written permission. Stock photos used under license from FreeImages.com. I may receive a small commission if you purchase an item I recommend.